Saints veteran rules himself out of round one

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 13: Leigh Montagna of the Saints looks dejected after a loss during the 2016 AFL Round 21 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

St Kilda’s Leigh Montagna looks set to miss his side’s round one clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The 33-year-old, who has been battling a right calf strain during the pre-season, told FoxSports on Wednesday night he is unlikely to be fit in time for the opening round of the season.

However, the veteran is confident of returning in round two against West Coast.

“I’m not far away at all but I think conditioning-wise, I’m going to end up a session or two short,” Montagna said.

“So most likely, I’ll miss round one and definitely be available for round two.

“This time of year the last thing you want to do is re-injure it, so we’re not going to rush it.”